Silenced Stories: Censorship in the Americas

News is ultimately a form of storytelling, a way of informing the public of the events occuring in the world around them. Censoring the press is therefore a way of framing the way people see the world into a picture defined by what is not censored. However, press extends beyond the typical newspaper; even a novel may also be considered a form of press, reflecting societal issues of a certain period, or working to challenge authority. To censor this type of artistic press is to censor imagination, which results in the same effect––a suppression of public opinion. In the Americas, there has been an influx in the censorship of the press, which has taken one of two forms: censorship of the formal newspaper press and book censorship. This article thus examines censorship in the case studies of Canada, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the United States.

Examining Period Poverty: A Hidden Global Public Health Crisis in Latin America

Although menstruation is a natural process, it is shrouded in misconception in various parts of the world. This stigma causes period poverty, characterized by the lack of access to menstrual products as well as limitations in regards to academic, professional, and overall life pursuits. This article seeks to shine a light on this hidden public health crisis, focusing on Latin America and in particular on a group of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil.

El Salvador in the Age of the “Mega Prison”

El Salvador ultimately arrested 67,203 people, a population roughly equivalent in size to the town of Haverhill, Massachusetts. And as detainment figures continued to stack up to nearly 2 percent of the adult population, Bukele’s personal war against the gangs eventually arrived at the unveiling of the aforementioned mega prison itself in February of this year.

AmericasBy Will FullerMay 27, 2023El Salvador, prison, mega prison, drugs, violence, gangs, war, rule of law, Americas, Latin America

Does Latin American Anti-Americanism Herald the Coming of a New World Order?

AMLO’s various anti-American comments are novel to a modern Mexican leader, as the nation has, for decades, been led by administrations denounced by AMLO as a “neoliberal oligarchy” itself. However, across Latin America, anti-Americanism is something of a time-honored tradition.

The Continuing Fight Against Femicide in Latin America

“Ni una menos,” meaning “not one woman less” is commonly written on the posters of protestors against femicides throughout Latin America. Feminicidios, or femicides in English, are the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. Among 25 countries with the highest rates of femicide in the world, 14 are from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Neoliberal Narratives: Pedro Castillo and the Peruvian Constitution’s Impeachment Trap

The impeachment of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was seen as a democratic triumph by mainstream media, but widespread protests and repudiation from other Latin American governments tell a different story. Deep-rooted inequities, a constitutional clause, and political instability have led to Peru's uncertain future, with impeachment being weaponized by the Peruvian Congress to maintain the neoliberal status quo.

Venezuela’s Economic Recovery: Why Are the Poor Becoming Poorer?

Venezuela's economy shows signs of recovery, driven by increased oil production. Still, the poor are left behind as the wealth gap grows, and access to foreign currencies remains limited for the majority of the population. The country's infrastructure for the rich expands while impoverished households suffer from food insecurity, water shortages, and lack of basic services.

Is the Pink Tide the Rebirth of History?

More than three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Left-Wing leaders have once again been swept into power across Latin America. In his famous essay "The End of History" (1989) Francis Fukuyama asserted that socialism had become an obsolete ideology in international politics, however, with neoliberalism in crisis and western hegemony on the decline could the second resurgence of the "Pink Tide" prove him wrong?

Violence in Peru: The Roots of Inequality

With the removal of Pedro Castillo, Peru has fallen into a state of brutality. Indigenous and historically marginalized groups demand to have their voices heard.

Government Tensions in Latin America Met by Protest

Corruption in Latin American governments sparked major protests throughout the countries.

Access to Education in Latin America During COVID Lockdowns and its Current Effects

AmericasBy Cristell BacilioOctober 27, 2022COVID-19, Latin America, Education, School, Children

How the War in Ukraine is Changing Latin America

Americas, Russia & FSUBy Michael YueMarch 19, 2022Economy, NATO, Ukraine, Russia, Americas, Latin America, Diplomacy, United Nations, Finance, Technology, United States